WEAR & CARE

DIAMONDS CAN BREAK, CHAINS MAY SNAP AND PRECIOUS METALS WILL SCRATCH, SO SHOW A LITTLE LOVE AND CARE FOR YOUR JEWELLERY.

1. DIAMONDS

1. DIAMONDS

CARING FOR

DIAMONDS

There is a misconception that diamonds are unbreakable, unfortunately this is not true. Although the hardest known natural mineral and virtually scratch resistant it doesn’t stop them shattering when hit hard enough. Therefore it’s a sensible precaution to remove diamond set rings for sports or during any form of manual work as a sharp knock could result in the stone shattering.

2. SILVER

2. SILVER

CARING FOR

SILVER

You may find that some items occasionally turn black (oxidise) where they come into contact with your skin. This is due to the natural acids in one’s skin reacting to the additional metals in sterling silver. Silver in its pure form is too soft to be of much use for jewellery, sterling silver is the combination of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other alloys.
How do you stop it oxidising? Normally it will stop of its own accord after a short while, and by continued wearing the oxidation will wear off. In the meantime you can polish it with a silver polish cloth. If you find that it continues to oxidise, we can rhodium plate your piece for you.
Silver polish cloths generally contain an abrasive which scratches the surface of the metal. This is helpful in removing black oxidation but it will also scratch high polished finishes.

3. GOLD & PLATINUM

3. GOLD & PLATINUM

CARING FOR

GOLD & PLATINUM

Gold and platinum are hardy metals, which should be able to withstand most of the rigours of normal daily use. However even with normal wear they will scratch and dent and with hard wear may misshape. They can be polished with a soft cloth but I don’t recommend a silver polish cloth as they generally contain abrasive powder.
The gold used in jewellery does tarnish over time as it’s exposed to impurities in the air. We call this process oxidation. Pure gold itself doesn’t tarnish, but the alloys mixed in with gold does. Unfortunately pure gold is too soft to be used for jewellery. Fortunately, it’s not a difficult problem to solve. A simple rebuffing of gold jewellery is enough to bring out the shine in the gold. If you would like to renew your jewellery to its original shine and sparkle get in touch to have a professional clean, polish and where necessary rhodium plate. This service can most often be done while you wait.

4. STONE SET JEWELLERY

4. STONE SET JEWELLERY

CLEANING OF

STONE SET JEWELLERY

Most jewellery should be left in hot soapy water for ten minutes and then cleaned with a soft bristle toothbrush under warm running water. Shake off any excess water and then blow the residual water from the back of the gemstone until dry. Warning this is not the case with pearls, or any porous stones (opal, lapis etc.). They should be cleaned with a soft cloth and regularly re-oiled. I would also advise that you don’t leave this group of gems in strong sunlight for long periods of time as they can dry out and crack.

5. SPECIAL FINISHES

5. SPECIAL FINISHES

CARING FOR

SPECIAL FINISHES

Matt finishes are achieved by uniformly scratching or pitting the surface of a metal, it is only a temporary finish and whether polished or matt, rings normally end up looking the same after six months or so. Most items made by us can be re-finished – we will generally do this for free the first time and then for a small charge thereafter. Hammered finishes should be less affected by normal daily wear. Gold, silver and rhodium plating is the bonding of microns of the named metal to a surface. All forms of plating are susceptible to wear. Earrings are unaffected whilst they are worn or kept in their LeaChi packaging; normally they suffer damage from poor storage.

6. WHAT ABOUT GUARANTEES?

6. WHAT ABOUT GUARANTEES?

ALL ABOUT

GUARANTEES

Diamonds can shatter and occasionally jewellery does break, we don’t offer an unlimited guarantee on all that we sell but we accept that jewellery holds a very special place in its owner’s emotions and therefore we will work with you in resolving any problems that arise in the same manner that we would wish to be treated. As long as your expectations are realistic we will always aim to satisfy.

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Every care is taken with all jewellery, but jewellery is accepted at customer’s risk only. We are not responsible for loss through fire, theft, burglary or hijacking in transit. It is the responsibility of the customer to make sure that their jewellery is adequately covered by their own insurance while in our possession